SB66 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Animals, authorized rabies vaccines, further provided for, possession of large felidae or wolves, prohibited under certain conditions, annual registration fees provided for, penalties, Sec. 3-8-2 added; Sec. 3-8-1 am'd.

Summary

SB66 would restrict ownership and breeding of large cats and wolves, add FDA-approved rabies vaccines to the approved list, and let local governments require annual registration fees with penalties for violations.

What This Bill Does

It expands approved rabies vaccines to include FDA-approved options for canidae and felidae. It makes it illegal to possess, sell, transfer, or breed living large felidae or wolves (and hybrids) with specific exceptions, while allowing certain prior possessors to keep their animals under conditions. It authorizes local governments to require annual registration fees based on the number of these animals owned, and it provides enforcement tools and penalties for violations, including potential seizure of animals. It also outlines who may be exempt from the rule and sets the act's effective date.

Who It Affects

• Owners, possessors, breeders, sellers, and potential buyers of large felidae (e.g., tigers, lions, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars) and wolves (including hybrids), including those who lawfully possessed such animals before the act’s effective date.
• Local governments (cities/counties) and law enforcement tasked with enforcing the rules, collecting registration fees, and handling penalties and possible seizures; and organizations like research facilities, sanctuaries, humane societies, veterinary hospitals, and USDA exhibitors that may operate under exemptions.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 3-8-1 to include FDA-approved rabies vaccines among the authorized vaccines for canidae or felidae, and sets conditions for current owners.
• Adds new Section 3-8-2 establishing that, with certain exemptions, it is illegal to possess, sell, transfer, or breed any living large felidae or wolf (including hybrids); authorizes local governments to adopt annual registration fees based on the number of animals owned; and outlines penalties and enforcement mechanisms.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Animals